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phd entrepreneurship onlineAccording to the definition, an entrepreneur is “a person who organizes and operates a business,” but that is far too simple. Entrepreneurs are visionaries who are on the lookout for new and innovative ways to solve problems.
Online PhD Entrepreneurship, MBA, entrepreneurship phd, executive education

Earning an online PhD in Entrepreneurship will help you become a successful entrepreneur. One who looks beyond the short-term goals and focuses on the bigger picture, one who is resourceful and resilient when things don’t go as planned, that is a successful entrepreneur. Entrepreneurs are the driving force in a business, whether it is a start-up business built on a dream or an established company that needs vision.

Why Earn an Online PhD in Entrepreneurship?

Earning an online PhD in Entrepreneurship is the perfect springboard into your first business venture. The degree will set you up for success. Courses are designed to strengthen your fundamental knowledge about what makes a business run. You will learn to apply that knowledge to creating and launching actual business plans. But a PhD in Entrepreneurship isn’t merely relegated to those who want to start a business. It is an excellent option for those who are already in the business world and want to bring vision to their company. Whether you are the CEO or an employee, this dynamic degree will bring business success.


Entrepreneurship is one of the fastest growing fields in the business industry. Ten years ago, it was difficult even to find a graduate degree in Entrepreneurship available. Today, colleges and universities are developing cutting edge Entrepreneurship degrees specially tailored for our economy. Online programs are an excellent way to flexibly earn your degree while enjoying nearly all the benefits of an on-campus school without having to relocate or quit your job.

What is an online PhD in Entrepreneurship?

Online PhD EntrepreneurshipIn most cases, a Doctorate in Entrepreneurship is a specialization of a DBA or Doctorate of Business Administration. Core courses include how to run a business successfully. The Entrepreneurship specialization will focus on how to start or revitalize a business. The emphasis is on entrepreneurial-specific skills like leading new ventures and launching companies on a budget. A central theme is the importance of innovation in the workplace.

Once you complete the core set of classes, almost all program require a research dissertation. Most programs consist of 60 credit hours. Technology allows for online learning to be flexible and straightforward. Students download lectures and readings, participate in virtual discussions with other students, submit written assignments, take exams, and communicate with their professors on their schedule from the comfort of their own home. Classes will be similar to the following:

  • Global Issues in Innovation & Entrepreneurship
  • Advanced Social Networking for Organizations
  • Creating a Culture of Innovation
  • Technology Business Models
  • Entrepreneurial Marketing
  • Ethics
  • Entrepreneurial Accounting
  • IP Strategies
  • Organization Design for Innovation
  • Issues & Methods in Market Research

What is your Methodology?

Because online doctorate programs in Entrepreneurship are fairly new, there are not many available. We scoured the nation and found four universities with accredited programs. The following calculations compiled the Top Online PhD Programs in Entrepreneurship:

  • Student to Faculty Ratio: 33.3%
  • Percentage of Graduate Students: 33.3%
  • Program Cost: 33.3%

The Top Online PhD Programs in Entrepreneurship

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  1. MERIT: 100.0
    View Profile Average Cost: $48,510
    Entrepreneurship: Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
    • Location: Minneapolis, MN
    • Percentage of Graduate Students: 85%
    • Student to Faculty Ratio: 17 to 1
    • Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s degree, Postbaccalaureate certificate, Master’s degree, Post-master’s certificate, Doctor’s degree – research/scholarship

    Online PhD EntrepreneurshipWalden University is a for-profit university that offers online programs. Walden primarily focuses on adult and graduate education and is part of a global network. According to a survey, 91 percent of students report overall satisfaction and over 85 percent of graduates say they recommend Walden.

    The Doctor of Business Administration at Walden is accredited by the ACBSP and requires 49 credits for graduation. Students have eight years to complete the online doctoral program and can transfer in up to 17 credit hours. The program focuses on entrepreneurial skills and knowledge. Learning is combined with theory and practical strategies from real-world situations, including identifying market opportunities, encouraging innovation, managing risk and change, and raising capital.

    Coursework focuses on both writing and critical-thinking skills. It should be noted that there are two, four-day residencies required, although the coursework is completed online. To graduate with a doctorate from Walden, students must obtain the academic approval of independent evaluators including their committee, the University Research Reviewer, and the Institutional Review Board.

    Additionally, they must pass the Form and Style Review, earn approval at the oral defense stage, and have final approval by the Chief Academic Officer. Dissertations must be published on ProQuest before their degree is conferred.

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  2. Ashford University
    MERIT: 61.8
    Average Cost: $67,084
    Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Development and Leadership: Innovation and Entrepreneurship Specialization
    • Location: San Diego, CA
    • Percentage of Graduate Students: 13.4%
    • Student to Faculty Ratio: 14 to 1
    • Degrees Offered: Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Doctor’s degree – research/scholarship

    Online PhD EntrepreneurshipAshford University was founded in 1918 by the Sisters of St. Francis. Originally located in Clinton, Iowa it was a women’s junior college called Mount St. Clare College. Today it is Ashford University, an online for-profit university headquartered in San Diego. There are approximately 50,000 online students. The University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

    Graduate students at Ashford University can earn an online Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Development and Leadership with a specialization in Innovation and Entrepreneurship. This specialization is one of several and consists of 18 credits taken through six courses. The PhD in Organizational Development and Leadership core includes ten courses, one elective research course, six Specialization courses, and a capstone seminar. These courses lead up to a doctoral dissertation.

    The Innovation and Entrepreneurship specialization is designed for entrepreneurial leaders who aspire to lead within corporations or public agencies, or who want to develop new products or services. Coursework includes classes such as Global Issues in Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Advanced Social Networking for Organizations, Creating a Culture of Innovation, Organization Design for Innovation, and Issues & Methods in Market Research.

    All courses are taught by doctorate-level professors assuring you that you are receiving instruction from experts in the field.

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  3. MERIT: 51.4
    View Profile Average Cost: $59,700
    PhD in Organizational Leadership – Entrepreneurial Leadership
    • Location: Virginia Beach, VA
    • Percentage of Graduate Students: 54.9%
    • Student to Faculty Ratio: 42 to 1
    • Degrees Offered: Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Postbaccalaureate certificate, Master’s degree, Post-master’s certificate, Doctor’s degree – research/scholarship, Doctor’s degree-professional practice

    Online PhD EntrepreneurshipLocated in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Regent University is a private, nonprofit Christian university. The school was established by Pat Robertson of the Christian Broadcasting Network in 1977. Today there are approximately 10,000 students who attend Regent. Regent is known for its top-notch online programs.

    Recognized as the first ever online in Organizational Leadership with an emphasis in Entrepreneurial Leadership, the program at Regent University is worth consideration. There are 60 credits required for graduation. Although classes are offered entirely online, students are required to attend two, four-day residencies. Classes include Theoretical Foundations of Leading Entrepreneurial Ventures, Kingdom Business Leadership Strategies, numerous classes in Research and Analysis Methods, and classes for Dissertation Research.

    Admission requirements include a master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or an equivalent degree, application, a leadership essay with citations or a master’s degree research paper, and a professional resume. There are numerous start dates throughout the year. In addition to the PhD in Organizational Leadership, Entrepreneurial Leadership, Regent also offers a Doctor of Strategic Leadership (DSL) in Entrepreneurial Leadership degree.

    Regardless of which degree you choose, Regent University weaves a Christian worldview into their education. Not only is it competitive price-wise, but Regent University is also the only school on the list that is non-profit.

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  4. View Profile Average Cost: $34,475
    Online Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Entrepreneurship
    • Location: Anaheim, CA
    • Percentage of Graduate Students: 92%
    • Student to Faculty Ratio: N/A
    • Degrees Offered: Master’s degree, Doctor’s degree – research/scholarship

    Online PhD EntrepreneurshipAnaheim University is an online, private, for-profit school headquartered in Anaheim, California. Established in 1996 on the educational philosophy of “student-centered distance learning,” Anaheim does not receive federal funding. It is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.

    Anaheim University offers an online Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) with a concentration in Entrepreneurship. The degree is offered through the Akio Morita School of Business and is 60 credit hours. It takes as little as three years to complete, but not more than five, and is specifically catered to the working professional. Even if you are working full-time, it is possible to finish in three years.

    Each six-week course will take approximately 22.5 hours per week. There are seven foundational courses, four courses in your concentration area, two electives, and a dissertation. Online delivery is a blend of synchronous and asynchronous learning and consists of discussions, live online webcam seminars, and lectures. New terms begin every six weeks, allowing you to start when you are ready at any time throughout the year.

    Anaheim University’s Doctorate of Business Administration, Entrepreneurship is the cheapest on the list. Combine the price with quality and flexibility, the program is worth consideration.

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What is Entrepreneurship?

Online PhD EntrepreneurshipDreamers…ideas… innovation… visionary…entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship is for those who have always dreamed of being their own boss, those who have an idea for a new product or service, those who are ready to start something on their own. The definition of an entrepreneur is “a person who organizes and operates a business,” but this is far too simple. Entrepreneurs are the visionaries who look for new and innovative ways to solve problems. They are resourceful and resilient, and ready to meet challenges when things don’t go as planned. Entrepreneurs know when to take risks to achieve their goals. It takes courage, focus, perseverance, and determination to be an entrepreneur.

An online PhD in Entrepreneurship is the ticket to the next level and will provide you with the skills needed to be a successful innovator. But it is not limited to those who want to start something entirely on their own. If you currently run your own business and want to take it to the next level, then a doctorate in entrepreneurship might be right for you. With a PhD in Entrepreneurship, students will be prepared with the knowledge needed to move to the top in the business industry. Entrepreneurship is for the ambitious, whether they wish to start their own business venture or if they are interested in specializing in a particular aspect of business and are ready to invoke change in an organization.

The bottom line – what does entrepreneurship mean?

Online PhD EntrepreneurshipEntrepreneurship is meant for business-minded individuals who are ready to train for the challenges of business ownership. It is for those with ideas, the innovators, the game-changers, and in short, the dreamers. A PhD in Entrepreneurship is more like a “creative” degree.  During an Entrepreneurship program, students will learn how to develop concepts and ideas for new businesses, learn the skills required to start a new business, network with others, gain funding for their idea, and explore the common pitfalls that new businesses face. Essentially, students will focus on what it takes to get a new business off the ground.

Why is Entrepreneurship important?

Online PhD EntrepreneurshipAccording to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, entrepreneurship is an important component for the growth of the U.S. economy. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) compiles data on new businesses and job creation. The number of new jobs created by businesses less than 12 months old had dropped from 4.1 million in 1994 to 3 million in 2015. Overall, fewer new businesses were opened, and new business had a leaner hiring policy in 2015 than in 1994.

A nation’s economy is a central part of its survival; in fact, the economy is what drives society. Since the beginning of time, people have had to work to survive. Throughout history, the nature of work has changed drastically, but the bottom line remains the same, humans have to work to survive.

The economy in America and across the globe is how people get jobs, earn money, and support themselves and their families. There is a consistent need for entrepreneurs to start new businesses, form new business plans; essentially, it could be argued that entrepreneurs are the drivers of business and the economy.

They are the ones who are putting new ideas and business models out to the public. Benjamin Franklin, Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, Steve Jobs, Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos are names we have all heard of and are known as some of the greatest entrepreneurs of all time. They have all made a lasting impact on the economy and our society through their ideas, innovations, and business models.

What can I do with a Doctorate or PhD in Entrepreneurship?

Online PhD EntrepreneurshipGraduates with a PhD in Entrepreneurship are in higher demand than their bachelor’s or master’s degree-holding counterparts. The additional coursework and mentorships that accompany advanced graduate study make this degree one of the most marketable degrees available.

In fact, according to Forbes magazine, in the last 10-20 years, there has been a large increase in demand for alternative business education that teaches the basics in starting your own business, including how to position yourself to take advantage of local startup ecosystems with connections to venture capitalists and startup incubators.  

Forbes also stresses the importance of blending expertise in technology development with startup business and marketing skills. Traditional business schools have offered courses or student clubs on entrepreneurship for quite some time.

However, most old school business curriculum has become outdated.  Colleges and universities have hustled to update degree programs and courses focused on entrepreneurship in the digital age, in which it can be much less expensive to open a business with cloud-and-crowd based solutions and freely-available open-source software.

While the Forbes author is referring to a master’s degree, a PhD in Entrepreneurship is just one more step up the ladder.

An online PhD in Entrepreneurship will give you leadership skills, teach you to evaluate business opportunities, structured financing, and craft marketing strategies. These highly sought after skills can be used in your own start-up or leveraged for career advancement in managerial and professional positions across the business world.

The opportunities are endless, whether you want to start your own business from scratch and become a jack-of-all-trades or gain an understanding of the inner-workings of large companies to learn how they can better run and how to effect change within an existing business.

What Qualifications Do You Need to Become an Entrepreneur?

Online PhD EntrepreneurshipWhile there is no set of specific qualifications you need to have as an entrepreneur, there are skills that you can learn to help set you up for success.

According to the University of Michigan, When we interviewed technology entrepreneurs prior to designing the Michigan Master of Entrepreneurship program, we found that most of them had started working on their ventures without enrolling in courses or pursuing business degrees.”

Additionally, UM  talks about the importance of learning by trial and error and how difficult it is to get a business running. Often people have false starts, many of which can be avoided by the right training and principles. Students need to learn the dynamics of starting a business. More goes into it than just having an idea. This is why earning an Entrepreneurship degree is so important.

It could be argued that all you need to become an entrepreneur is a dream, but there is no doubt that there are many skills to learn to help set you up for success. Online doctorate programs in Entrepreneurship help prepare students with the skills and knowledge to start a new business through a comprehensive approach that combines theoretical business knowledge with practical application.

Courses cover what a company needs to function effectively. Topics include accounting, team management, research and market trends, decision-making, development and more. Graduates have the opportunity to step into real-world business situations and apply their skills.

What is the average salary of an Entrepreneur?

Online PhD EntrepreneurshipAccording to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for chief executives was $189,600 in May 2018, and the median annual salary for general and operations managers was $100,930 in May 2018. Additionally, “overall employment of top executives is projected to grow 8 percent from 2016 to 2026″ which they consider close to the average for all occupations. It is predicted that employment growth will fluctuate depending upon the rate of growth in the industry. Competition for employment is expected to be extremely competitive among top executives.

While these statistics are for top executives in the business world, the actual number will vary greatly, depending on where you are employed. Entering into the business world with a PhD in Entrepreneurship is going to drastically improve your salary and set you up to qualify for top-level jobs in any company. The caveat, however, is that those entrepreneurs who are starting on their own are not guaranteed any specific salary, and may spend several years or more making little to nothing.

The world of self-employment is a world of its own and deserves its own article and discussion. It should be noted here, though, that “self-employment is hard work, especially during the first few years. Workers may have difficulty finding clients, earning a steady income, securing business loans, and navigating laws. These challenges add up to financial risk and uncertainty.”

Online PhD EntrepreneurshipAnd, with income frequently unpredictable, workers may try to handle all or most parts of the business themselves. The following quote from the Bureau of Labor Statistics can shed some insight into the reality of being an entrepreneur.

You end up working a lot more than you think, oftentimes way more than when you were working for someone else,” says Vicki James, owner of a marketing business in Rochester, New York. This schedule can make balancing work and personal life difficult.”

The quote continues, discussing the challenges of planning for your health and future as an entrepreneur. “Another challenge with self-employment is the lack of benefits. Public and private employers typically contribute to retirement, health, and other benefits, offering affordable options to their employees.”

There is a bit of a harsh reality, although working as an entrepreneur does have its perks in other areas. “But self-employed workers must find these benefits and pay for them entirely out of pocket. And there is no paid leave for vacation or illness: A day off work is a day without pay. These types of burdens may overstretch limited financial resources.” (BLS)

For those who are willing to take the risk, self-employment has its rewards. Owning your own business means that you are your own boss. Successful entrepreneurs will reap the rewards, and may even reap outstanding financial benefits. In short, being an entrepreneur and starting your own business isn’t for the faint of heart. But for the dreamer, visionaries, and innovators, they may find their name up there on the list next to Bill Gates.

What organizations or associations can I join as an Entrepreneur?

There are many organizations that are available to support entrepreneurs. Here are a few that are worth looking into:

The Entrepreneurs’ Organization: The Entrepreneurs’ Organization is only for entrepreneurs and consists of a global network of more than 10,000 business owners in 46 countries. The organization was founded in 1987 by a group of young entrepreneurs, with the mission to “enable entrepreneurs to learn and grow from each other, leading to greater business success and enriched personal life.”

business degree, phd in entrepreneurship, entrepreneur, online phd, online doctorate, online DBABusiness Network International: The mission of BNI is to “help members increase their business through a structured, positive and professional referral marketing program that enables them to develop long-term, meaningful relationships with quality business professionals.” There are over 240,000 members in approximately 8,500 chapters worldwide. Business Network International is known as the world’s leading referral organization. In 2017, BNI member referrals have generated $13.6 billion USD in revenue for their member businesses.

Entrepreneurs’ Organization: Since its founding in 1987, members of EO have been building a global network to serve the unique needs of the entrepreneur. This organization now has influence in more than 58 countries. Geared for entrepreneurs and founders of businesses making more than US$1 million annually, EO provides the opportunity to learn and grow in your business while making connections.

Vistage: Utilizing a peer advisory group consisting of 12 – 16 successful CEO’s, business owners, and key executives, a Vistage membership offers “diverse perspectives that are essential for better decision-making.” Membership offers the opportunity to work through challenges with these experienced peers who’ve faced similar situations and can ask the tough questions. There is also the option to work one-to-one through executive coaching as well as gain perspectives from expert speakers. Vistage, which is over 60 years old, touts itself as being comprehensive and effective in it’s approach to helping CEOs become better leaders, make better decisions and reap better results.

online DBA degree, online business degree, online doctoral programsYoung Presidents Organization: This organization is very similar to Entrepreneurs’ Organization, except that there the revenue requirements for YPO are higher, but you aren’t required to be a founder of the company, but you should be its current leader. It provides both forums and amazing events for those who qualify, namely, CEOs of companies with annual revenue of over $12 million. The networking potential as a member of YPO is incredible. Currently, there are more than 27,000 chief executives in over 130 countries. YPO companies employ more than 22 million people across the globe and generate USD9 trillion in annual revenues.